Topical Encyclopedia
The Plain of Tabor is a geographical region in the biblical land of Israel, closely associated with Mount Tabor. This area holds significant historical and theological importance in the biblical narrative, serving as a backdrop for various events and symbolizing divine encounters and military victories.
Geographical ContextThe Plain of Tabor is located in the Lower Galilee region of modern-day Israel. It is situated near Mount Tabor, a prominent hill that rises approximately 1,843 feet above sea level. The plain itself is characterized by fertile land, making it suitable for agriculture and settlement. Its strategic location has historically made it a site of military significance.
Biblical Significance1.
Deborah and Barak's Victory: The Plain of Tabor is most notably associated with the account of Deborah and Barak in the Book of Judges. In
Judges 4, Deborah, a prophetess and judge of Israel, instructs Barak to gather an army at Mount Tabor to confront the Canaanite forces led by Sisera.
Judges 4:14 states, "Then Deborah said to Barak, 'Arise, for this is the day the LORD has delivered Sisera into your hand. Has not the LORD gone before you?' So Barak came down from Mount Tabor with ten thousand men following him." The ensuing battle, which took place in the vicinity of the plain, resulted in a decisive victory for the Israelites, attributed to divine intervention.
2.
Symbol of Divine Encounter: Mount Tabor, adjacent to the plain, is traditionally identified as the site of the Transfiguration of Jesus, although the New Testament does not explicitly name the mountain. This event, described in the Synoptic Gospels (
Matthew 17:1-9,
Mark 9:2-8,
Luke 9:28-36), is a pivotal moment where Jesus is revealed in His divine glory to Peter, James, and John. The association of Mount Tabor with this event enhances the spiritual significance of the surrounding plain.
3.
Tribal Boundaries: The Plain of Tabor is also mentioned in the context of tribal boundaries. In
Joshua 19:22 , the territory of the tribe of Issachar is described as extending to Tabor: "The border touched Tabor, Shahazumah, and Beth-shemesh, and ended at the Jordan—sixteen cities, along with their villages." This highlights the plain's role in the division of the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel.
Historical and Theological InsightsThe Plain of Tabor serves as a testament to God's deliverance and faithfulness to His people. The victory of Deborah and Barak over Sisera's forces is a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty and His ability to use unlikely leaders to achieve His purposes. The association with the Transfiguration further underscores the plain's connection to divine revelation and the manifestation of God's glory.
Throughout biblical history, the Plain of Tabor has been a place where the physical and spiritual realms intersect, offering a glimpse into the divine plan and purpose for Israel. Its rich history and theological depth continue to inspire and instruct believers in understanding God's work in the world.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
the Plain Of TaborThis is an incorrect translation, and should be THEOAK OFTABOR,TABOR. It is mentioned in (1 Samuel 10:3) only, as one of the points in the homeward journey of Saul after his anointing by Samuel.
Library
The Transfiguration
... honored. MountTabor, near Nazareth, on the borders of thePlain of Esdraelon,
has long been regarded as the favored spot. But, in...
The Raising of the Young Man of Nain - the Meeting of Life and...
... 2632] From the elevation on which the city stood we look northwards, across the
wideplain, to woodedTabor, and in the far distance to snow-capped Hermon....
The Annunciation of Jesus the Messiah, and the Birth of his...
... by that line of commerce that passed along the route winding aroundTabor.... the south;
and beyond, the seemingly unbounded expanse of the wideplain of Esdraelon...
The Siege and Taking of Gamala.
... by, during this siege, and that was to subdue those that had seized upon MountTabor,
a place that lies in the middle between the greatplain and Scythopolis...
The Marriage Feast in Cana of Galilee - the Miracle that is a Sign...
... and west over a largeplain (that of Battauf), and south upon a valley, beyond which
the hills rise that separate it from MountTabor and theplain of Jezreel....
The King in his Beauty
... 13. The early guess atTabor as the scene of the Transfiguration must be given
up as untenable.... die? No, for that layplain before Him....
In Galilee at the Time of Our Lord
... the mountains of Gilboa," where "Israel and Saul fell down slain"; little Hermon,
Tabor, Carmel, and that great battle-field of Palestine, theplain of Jezreel...
Philip and the Desposyni
... desired to call down fire from heaven; and so into the greatplain of Jezreel.... Thence,
withTabor in sight, and snowy Hermon, be crossed one of the streams of...
Infancy and Youth of Jesus --His First Impressions.
... at the summit of the group of mountains which close theplain of Esdraelon... the graceful
or terrible recollections of Shunem and of Endor; andTabor, with its...
The Transfiguration.
... mountain itself, stretching away for seventy miles across theplain - the most... left
C??sarea Philippi, and the scene of the Transfiguration was MountTabor....
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